7/24/26 HFS Staff #HuskyHome #Move-in
Quick Read: Residence Hall Essentials for Incoming Freshmen
- A quick chat with your roommate before move-in saves you from duplicates
- Residence halls don't have air conditioning, so a fan earns its spot
- Students say the mattress topper gets used more than almost anything else
- HFS lets you rent a mini-fridge and microwave instead of hauling your own
- Air mattresses, steamers and air purifiers mostly just take up space
You've got the checklist covered: bedding, shower shoes, laundry basket— check, check, check. But once you're actually settled into your room, you will quickly notice what you reach for every day versus what's been sitting untouched in a bin since Move-in.
We asked current Huskies and did some digging to find out what actually earns its space in a dorm and what ends up collecting dust. Here's what made the biggest difference during the school year, plus a few things you can probably leave at home. It's also worth checking in with your future roommate. A quick chat about who's bringing what can help you split costs, avoid duplicates and plan how you'll share the space.
Stay comfortable
A fan (or two). Residence halls don't have air conditioning, so this helps on warmer days, especially around Move-in and finals week.
A mattress topper. The single most-recommended item by students. It can make a real difference in your sleep quality.
A sleep mask, earplugs or a white noise maker. Roommates often keep different sleep schedules, and these small items can make it a lot easier to get good rest without stepping on each other's routines.
Keep things clean and organized
A tension pole shower caddy, especially if you're sharing a bathroom.
"I got a tension pole shower caddy for my roommates and me during my first year, and we really liked it! We had a triple-room with a private bathroom, and the three little compartments on the caddy gave us each of us our own designated area to store our soaps and shampoos." - Graciela, '26
An extra trash can with a lid is handy if you snack or cook in your room.
A compact stick vacuum, if you'd like one on hand for quick cleanups.
A second set of sheets and towels. It's easy to only pack one set, but having a backup means you're not stuck without either while the other is in the wash.
A small plunger and toilet scrubber, especially if you have a private or shared bathroom. These aren't provided for communal use, so it's worth having your own on hand.
Make food easier
A mini-fridge and microwave. Rent a combo through HFS, and it arrives right to your room during Move-in. No hauling required.
A three-tier rolling cart for pantry items and cookware.
"I love using a three-tier rolling cart to store all of my pots, pans, and cooking supplies!" - Abigail, '29
An air fryer with liners, if your hall allows one, for making quick meals or reheating leftovers.
Grab-and-go snacks and shelf-stable food for late nights or packed schedules.
A bowl, mug and fork-and-spoon set, even if you don't cook. They make takeout and to-go meals easier to enjoy.
Small fixes that help
A surge protector power strip (or two) for your desk and bedside. A surge strip is safer than a basic extension cord and helps protect your room from overloaded outlets.
A bedside caddy that clips onto the bed frame, a simple stand-in for a nightstand.
A shoe rack by the door to keep floors clean and provide a spot for wet rain gear.
Your Husky Card does more than you think
It's not just for dining. It gets you into buildings, the library, buses and light rail, printing services, and the Husky Food Pantry. A magnetic phone wallet or lanyard help keep it within reach.
What you can skip
Air mattresses. Most students tossed theirs by year's end.
A steamer. It sounds useful, but most students say it ends up unused after the first few weeks.
An air purifier. Another item that often gets bought but doesn't see much real use once you're settled in.
A big personal library. Feels like home in theory, hassle to move out.
Heavy decor or furniture. You're here about nine months, minus breaks. A few personal touches, like photos of friends and family, go a long way.
The bottom line
The best residence hall setup isn't the most packed one. It's built around what you'll actually use: ways to stay comfortable, get good sleep, easy access to food and keep your Husky Card within reach.
For more Move-in tips, check out 9 tips to move into on-campus housing sustainably.
Welcome to your Husky Home!